The Blazer - 5 different ways to wear a classic

It is always fun to have a piece of clothing that you love that can be worn several different ways. The blazer is such a versatile piece of clothing that I consider it to be a wardrobe staple. When I used to think of blazers, I thought "job interview" . I still love the look of a blazer with slacks, which really is perfect for an interview, but there are so many other, fun ways to wear this piece.I especially love blazers with skirts or shorts lately. If you have a simple black blazer, the options are endless. Using different accessories and different pops of color makes each outfit below completely different.

The different looks below all star the same item: A black blazer from topshop.

Look 1 : Night out     

Blazer- topshop

colorblock skirt- H&M ($10.00)

earrings- Betsey Johnson

bracelet bangles- JcPenny

Shoes- net-a-porter.com

Leopard clutch- asos.com

Basic blank tank- any brand will do

*This outfit is "club friendly" but the blazer helps keep everything looking sophisticated. I also love the extra punch the leopard clutch gives to this outfit.

Sleek day to night look

Blazer- topshop

basic white tank-any brand will do

Jeans- black Hudson straight leg pants

Shoes- BeBe "Tristan"

necklace- bluewire stone pendant shopbird.com

clutch- Barney's (I have an affordable version of the one in the picture)

white african bead bracelet- shopbird.com

* I love the pop of blue! Blue and black looks great together. Ps- don't you LOVE that black and white clutch?

Feminine and simple

Blazer- topshop

blouse- H&M

shorts- Forever 21

clutch-shopbird.com

shoes- Steve Madden leopard flats

*Such a delicate look, very soft

 

Playful date night

                                                      Blazer- topshop

                                                      blouse- oasis-stores.com

                                                      shorts- Forever 21

                                                      wedges- MiuMiu

                                                      watch- Juicy

                                                      clutch- chiarafashion.co.uk

                                                 *The blazer with the shorts makes this outfit a fun balance of edgy yet sleek. The wedges  make it fun and playful. The  red polka dot clutch just adds to the cuteness

                                                           Casual and Cute

Blazer- topshop

white tee- Forever 21

jeans- Hudson cropped pants

clutch- misselfridge.com

shoes- Converse

*I love how incredibly casual this outfit is, and yet, how the blazer works so well with it. And again we have a pop of blue with the clutch. 

 

 So there you have it. From job interviews to nights out, to a casual day running errands, the blazer is a great go to piece!

If you are looking to find a cute and affordable blazer, I suggest: (from cheapest to most expensive)

Forever 21

www.missselfridge.com

H &M

Macy's

Banana Republic

Clutch much?

I'm very aware that clutches are not a new trend. However, this past year, clutches have taken over. I have a few clutches that I think are very cute, but I have a problem with them. You see, I am so accustomed to always having a large purse with me, the idea of having something small to carry in my hand all night seems a bit foreign. Also, carrying a clutch to me feels like carrying a wallet. It would be so easy to get distracted somewhere...set it down, then have it be lost forever. Having said that, I had to ease my way into the concept of taking a clutch out with me night after night. Once I realized that I would only loose the clutch if I had too much to drink, I understood it was just like a purse, only more convenient.

    1- yellow clutch, Forever 21

2- turqoise clutch at Barney's

3-Floral lace clutch, Forever 21

4-Pink envelope clutch, http://www.modelundgen.se/                           

5- Striped clutch, Edie Parker at Barney's

6-Coral clutch, Rebecca Minkoff the "MAC" clutch

7- House of Harlow "Tilly" studded clutch

8-Suzy Smith Velvet charm clutch bag

9-Valentino satin clutch with bow

                  If you are tired of digging through your large purses like I was, you might want to consider having some clutches on hand. Not only that, I have found with certain dresses, large purses will not do. Sometimes, a delicate dress needs a clutch to go with it...not an oversized purse.  The picture above shows 9 of my favorite clutches for this upcoming season. The clutches in the picture range anywhere in price from $29.00 to $2,000  ( I do not own the $2,000 ones ;)   )     Forever 21, Topshop, Claire's and Macy's are some of the most common stores you can find cute clutches in.

Neutral Family

My idea of a perfect outfit...

              I love this soft, chic and feminine look. The tones in the blazer, top and shoes work nicely together. Cute date night outfit.  This outfit incorporates some of my current favorite things: A blazer, lace and platforms. I've been on the lookout for some chic, nicely tailored colored blazers at decent prices. I already have a great black one, but now I want a light pink one like the one in the picture. And of course, I have found another pair of Jessica Simpson shoes (yes the ones in the picture) that  I love. I had to include a picture of my favorite perfume as well, Miss Dior Cherie.

ps- the tank in this outfit is NOT a belly shirt, it's just the way I have it pasted above the jeans

Trend I'm loving: Loafer pumps!

 I love the makeover the loafer has been given by being transformed into a pump. I especially love loafer pumps witn the ankle strap such as the Lauren Conrad ones below. This is a great shoe for transitioning into winter.   I love the loafer pumps in red and also in nude. Nude heels will still be huge this upcoming winter again, which is great for a few reasons. Nude can be worn with almost anything, looks chic, but most importantly makes the legs look longer. Below are loafer pumps by Miu Miu, which cost around $550.00   Yikes! That's a bit extreme for me...

                               Miu Miu loafer pumps- $550.00

             Coming in at $110.00 we have the "Anabel" shoe by BeBe

                                  

   But LUCKILY I found a great Look for less! Lauren Conrad shoes, available at Kohl's, has made a version of the loafer pump that are just as cute  as the Miu Miu and BeBe ones, in my opinion.

                                                    

                               Lauren Conrad "Kailyn" Loafer pumps , $49.00

Miu Miu pumps- $550.00                                               Lauren Conrad pumps- $49.00

  So this is another great example- before you splurge on a name brand, keep an eye out for the more affordable version!

 Also, last week I purchased another pair of Lauren Conrad shoes. These ones are black suede wedges with an ankle strap. Open toe. These are summer and winter friendly, if modified correctly. Easy to walk in and a great price. Versatile.

             As you can probably tell by the pictures, these shoes are suede so you have to be extra careful with how you treat them. 

            So, there's my latest purchases. Both shoes I got at great prices and both shoes can be worn quite often. Win win!